What to expect during an insurance adjuster roof inspection is one of the most common questions homeowners ask after filing a storm damage claim. The adjuster's inspection directly determines how much your insurance company will pay for repairs, making it one of the most important steps in the claims process. At Weatherguard Construction, we've attended thousands of adjuster inspections alongside homeowners across Stillwater, Woodbury, Minneapolis, and the Twin Cities metro over our 25+ years in business. Here's exactly what to expect and how to prepare.

Before the Adjuster Arrives

Schedule a Contractor Inspection First

Before the adjuster visit, schedule a free inspection with Weatherguard Construction. Having your contractor's assessment in hand gives you:

  • An independent damage evaluation to compare with the adjuster's findings
  • Documentation of damage the adjuster might miss
  • Professional terminology and measurements that carry weight in the claims process
  • A knowledgeable advocate present during the inspection

Prepare Your Documentation

Gather these items before the adjuster arrives:

  • Your storm damage photos and videos taken immediately after the storm
  • Your contractor's inspection report with detailed findings
  • Your insurance policy — know your coverage, deductible, and any wind/hail endorsements
  • Previous inspection reports — if your roof was inspected before the storm, this establishes pre-existing condition
  • Maintenance records — proof of proper roof maintenance strengthens your claim

Prepare Your Property

  • Clear access to the roof — move vehicles, patio furniture, or obstacles that block ladder placement
  • Ensure safe access — mow tall grass, clear debris from walkways, and secure pets
  • Mark damage areas you've identified with flagging tape or chalk (visible from the roof)
  • Keep damaged materials — don't discard torn shingles, broken flashing, or other debris

What Happens During the Inspection

Initial Walk-Around

The adjuster begins with a ground-level walk-around of your entire property, looking for:

Roof Inspection

The adjuster will climb onto the roof (or use a drone for steep or damaged roofs) to inspect:

  • Shingle condition — looking for hail strikes, missing shingles, creased shingles, and granule loss
  • Flashing — checking around chimneys, vents, skylights, and wall intersections
  • Ridge cap and hip shingles — these are often the most wind-vulnerable components
  • Ventilation components — ridge vents, box vents, and turbine vents
  • Valleys — where roof planes meet, damage is common
  • Decking condition — checking for soft spots or visible damage

The adjuster typically uses a chalk circle method, marking each identified hail strike or damage point to count and map the damage pattern across the roof.

Interior Inspection

If there's been water intrusion, the adjuster will inspect:

  • Attic for active leaks, water staining, and daylight through the decking
  • Ceilings for water stains, bubbling, or sagging
  • Walls for water damage and mold indicators
  • Floors for water damage near exterior walls

Documentation

The adjuster documents everything with:

  • Photographs of all damage areas
  • Measurements of the roof (using Xactimate software tools or physical measurements)
  • Detailed notes on damage type, location, and extent
  • An itemized scope of damage that forms the basis of your claim payment

After the Inspection

Review the Adjuster's Report

You'll receive the adjuster's scope of damage and payment estimate within 1-3 weeks. Review it carefully:

  • Compare to your contractor's estimate — significant discrepancies warrant discussion
  • Check for missed items — ensure all damaged components are included
  • Verify measurements — incorrect roof measurements affect the entire estimate
  • Look for depreciation — on RCV policies, the initial payment includes depreciation holdback that's released after repairs are completed

Filing a Supplement

If the adjuster's scope missed damage or the estimate is insufficient, you can file a supplement. Common supplement reasons:

  • Hidden damage discovered during repair (rotted decking, wet insulation)
  • Components the adjuster couldn't access during inspection
  • Code-required upgrades not included in the original scope
  • Matching requirements for siding or shingles

Weatherguard Construction handles supplement filing regularly and works to ensure homeowners in St. Paul, Eagan, Bloomington, and throughout Minnesota receive fair coverage. Call (651) 439-4320 for assistance with your claim.

Tips for a Successful Adjuster Inspection

  1. Be present — Don't leave the adjuster to inspect alone
  2. Have your contractor attend — Their expertise ensures comprehensive documentation
  3. Be cooperative and polite — Adjusters respond better to respectful communication
  4. Ask questions — Understand their findings and methodology
  5. Don't sign anything you don't understand — Review all documents carefully
  6. Don't accept an unfair settlement — You have the right to dispute and supplement

Frequently Asked Questions

Should my contractor be present during the adjuster inspection?

Absolutely. Having an experienced contractor like Weatherguard Construction present ensures all damage is identified, professional terminology is used, and you have an expert advocate during the inspection. Our team regularly accompanies homeowners during adjuster visits across Schaumburg, IL and Centennial, CO as well as Minnesota.

What if I disagree with the adjuster's findings?

You have several options: request a re-inspection, file a supplement with additional documentation from your contractor, escalate within the insurance company, or hire a public adjuster. Weatherguard Construction can help you navigate disputes and ensure fair treatment.

How long after a storm does the adjuster visit?

After widespread storms, adjuster wait times can range from a few days to several weeks due to high claim volume. File your claim immediately to get in the queue. Meanwhile, make emergency temporary repairs, document everything, and schedule your contractor inspection.

Can the insurance company deny my storm damage claim?

Claims can be denied for reasons including: filing outside the policy's time limit, damage deemed pre-existing or caused by neglect, damage falling below your deductible, or exclusions in your policy (such as cosmetic damage exclusions). If you believe a denial is incorrect, you can appeal with additional documentation.